Buljarica Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Large sandy beach anchorage in 3–8m on sand with good holding. Buljarica beach is one of the largest sandy beaches between Bar and Petrovac — a long crescent of sand with shallow clear water and good swimming. Anchorage exposed to S, SW, and W. Good holding on sand when set with 6:1 scope. Anchor in the N part of the bay for best shelter from S swell. A pleasant overnight stop in settled conditions. Keep clear of swimming areas and any roped-off beach sections.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Buljarica is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
2. Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
3. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Set the anchor alarm immediately after setting — on the south Montenegro coast, SW swell can build quickly and conditions can deteriorate faster than forecasts suggest. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain length.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Buljarica are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m in 3–6m on sand. Good holding in the N part of the bay. S and SW exposed — overnight in settled weather only. Alarm radius of 80m appropriate for the open anchorage; keep it active at all times.

Best May–October in settled conditions. July–August sees beach crowds but the anchorage is large enough to avoid congestion.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SW/W exposure — depart for Bar if SW swell or Jugo forecast
• Swimming zone buoys near beach in peak season — anchor clear
• Open roadstead in S/SW — wind shifts quickly on this coast

Rules & Regulations

• Montenegro cruising permit (vignette): Mandatory for all foreign yachts — purchase at first port of entry. From ~€89/month. Always check current permit requirements.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor.
• Maximum stay: 5 days
• Restrictions: S/SW exposed — overnight only in settled forecast. Keep clear of swimming buoys and beach areas.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Bar (8nm)
• Restaurant: Seasonal beach restaurants in July–August. Nearest full services: Bar (8nm N) — full marina, fuel dock.
• Provisions: None on site — Bar (8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Anchor in the N part of the bay for the best shelter from any S swell
2. Bar (8nm N) is close enough to be reached quickly if conditions deteriorate — use Buljarica for settled overnight stops only
3. The beach is excellent for swimming and walking — one of the more pleasant south coast stops